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Castle · Sevilha, Andaluzia
Castillo de San Jorge
Subterranean ruins of a medieval fortress in Triana that served as a seat and prison of the Spanish Inquisition, now an interpretation center beneath the Mercado de Triana.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Castillo de San Jorge
The castle stood on the right bank of the Guadalquivir, at the head of the ferry bridge that the Almohads built in 1171 to connect the two shores. Chains attached to the fortress secured the bridge. In 1248, Ramón de Bonifaz's fleet broke those chains, helping Fernando III capture the city.
After the conquest, the castle passed to the Order of Saint George, which gave it its name. In 1481 it became the seat of the Inquisition tribunal in Sevilha. Prisons and hearing rooms operated there until 1626, when river floods ruined the walls and the tribunal moved.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the ruined castle was demolished to make way for a market, completed in 1823. Remains of the fortress reappeared in 1983 during work on a stall and were excavated.
Today the ruins form an interpretation center beneath the Mercado de Triana. The route shows the foundations and tells the history of the castle and the Inquisition. Beside it, the Callejón de la Inquisición, the old passage of the fortress, links Calle Castilla to the river.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 40 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
In the morning, together with a visit to the Mercado de Triana, which operates until early afternoon.
How to get there
It is located beneath the Mercado de Triana, in the Plaza del Altozano, just past the Isabel II bridge, about a 15-minute walk from the Catedral.
Tip
Entrance is through the market itself, next to the bridge. Hours vary depending on the day of the week: check before you go. The topic of the Inquisition may be heavy for young children.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Castillo de San Jorge
What can you see at the Castillo de San Jorge?
The foundations of the medieval fortress, in the basement of the Mercado de Triana, and an exhibition about the castle and the tribunal of the Inquisition that operated there from 1481 to 1626.
Why did the castle end up beneath a market?
At the beginning of the 19th century the ruined castle was demolished and a market was built in its place, completed in 1823. The ruins reappeared in excavations from 1983 onwards.
Is a reservation necessary?
Usually not. Opening hours are reduced on certain days: check before you go.